PNG international signs with the Chiefs

Zac Laybutt will be donning the PNG Chiefs jersey in 2028, with the PNG International confirming his move.

The North Queensland back has signed a two-year deal with the club, seeing him join fellow PNG representative Alex Johnston in their main squad.

Speaking in a statement, head coach Willie Peters is looking forward to the 24-year-old continuing his development at the club.

“Zac is a quality young man who brings a willingness to work hard for the team, and he will join our club with good NRL experience behind him and a bright future ahead of him,” Peters said.

“We believe he will only continue to improve as a player, and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to develop with our team in the years ahead.”

Laybutt becomes the eighth player to join the NRL’s 19th side. He now joins Jarome Luai, Matty Lees, Brian To’o, Joey Manu, Connor Watson, Zac Lomax and Johnston as part of its inaugural squad.

Across his 42 games with the Cowboys, he has scored 12 tries and managed seven try assists.

The PNG Chiefs officially begin their life in the NRL in 2028.